The 2009 Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Tree and Shrub Program is underway. Evergreen seedlings and transplants, deciduous trees, flowering trees and shrubs, bird and butterfly packets, groundcovers, and wildflower seeds are available to help landowners meet their spring planting needs.

Evergreen seedlings, three-year-old plants grown entirely in the original seedbed, are economical and easy to plant and handle. Species available are Austrian pine, balsam fir, Colorado blue spruce, Japanese larch and Scotch pine. These are sold in minimum lots of 25 for $18.

Evergreen transplants have a superior root system, branching is noticeable and the main stem is much more solid. Transplants are especially appealing to those landowners where small quantities of trees are needed and appearance is a major consideration. Canadian hemlock, Colorado blue spruce, white pine, Norway spruce, white cedar, and white spruce transplants are available. Transplants are sold in minimum quantities of 10 for $20.

Deciduous plants shed their leaves annually at the approach of a season of cold or drought. The seeds and buds of deciduous plants provide an excellent food source for many types of wildlife during the fall and winter months. Black cherry, black walnut, sugar maple, white oak, and white birch are available in packets of 10 for $12. Highbush blueberry plants, five blue crop and five patriot, are available for $33.

Variety packets containing a total of 10 trees, 2 each of 5 different species are available in bird and butterfly (American cranberry, American elderberry, butterfly bush, lilac, sargent crabapple) and flowering tree and shrub (American plum, arrowwood, European mountain ash, serviceberry, Rugosa rose). These packets are $16 each.

Groundcovers, sold in bundles of 50 for $17.00 each, are low growing plants that form a dense, extensive growth and help to prevent weeds and soil erosion. Crownvetch, pachysandra, periwinkle and English ivy can be purchased for spring planting.

Wildflower seeds, sold in three-quarter ounce poly bags for $6.50 each, are available in four varieties and contain one hundred percent wildflower seed.

Order information is available from the SWCD office on Route 5, East Herkimer, or by calling (315) 866-2520, Extension 3. Quantities are limited; orders are accepted on a first come, first serve basis through March 27, 2009. Pick up dates are Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18.